Principal Data Engineer

Description:

(Public Sector Financial Systems)

1. Role Overview

Role Summary (high level):

This individual will serve as a senior technical resource supporting a public-sector financial system, with a strong focus on data architecture, data engineering, and data integration. The role is hands-on and will support ongoing system enhancements, performance optimization, and the establishment of foundational data management practices.

Key Highlights:

Duration: 6-month contract with the possibility of permanent hire for the right fit

Location: Downtown Phoenix

Work Model: On-site, in-office

Start Timing: Targeting an ASAP start at the beginning of 2026

The Principal Data Engineer / Data Architect will provide hands-on technical services to support the enhancement, stabilization, and ongoing development of a public-sector financial system operating in a full-stack application environment. This role serves as the primary technical resource responsible for data architecture, data engineering, and data integration activities associated with the system.

In addition to supporting application enhancements, the contractor will assist the organization in establishing foundational data management practices, including standards, tools, and processes appropriate for a public-sector environment. The role requires a high degree of independent technical judgment and the ability to work effectively within an iterative delivery framework.

1. Scope of Services

A. Data Engineering and Architecture Support

Design, implement, and maintain relational data models supporting transactional and reporting use cases.

Develop, optimize, and maintain SQL-based data objects, including tables, views, stored procedures, and indexes.

Support data access and integration within a full-stack application environment.

Design and implement data interfaces and services to support system integrations.

Perform data performance tuning, diagnostics, and optimization activities.

Support data validation, reconciliation, and auditability requirements.

B. Application Enhancement and Delivery Support

Support enhancement and feature development efforts for an existing production system.

Participate in backlog refinement, technical design, and implementation activities related to data components.

Provide production support and issue resolution related to data quality, performance, or integrity.

Support testing, deployment, and post-release stabilization activities.

C. Data Management Practice Enablement

Assist in defining and documenting data management standards and best practices.

Develop templates, patterns, and reference implementations to support consistent data engineering practices.

Support the establishment of data governance and stewardship concepts appropriate to organizational maturity.

Provide documentation and knowledge transfer to support long-term sustainability.

3. Required Qualifications

Technical Experience

Minimum of eight (8) years of hands-on experience in data engineering and/or data architecture roles.

Advanced proficiency with relational database platforms, including data modeling, query optimization, and performance tuning.

Experience supporting full-stack application environments, including integration with application code.

Experience designing and supporting data integrations and application programming interfaces (APIs).

Demonstrated experience supporting production financial or transactional systems.

Professional Experience

Experience supporting post-implementation or post-go-live enhancement efforts.

Ability to operate independently as a senior technical resource with minimal supervision.

Experience working in public-sector or regulated environments.

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.

1. Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting public-sector financial, revenue, or accounting systems.

Experience with cloud or hybrid data architectures.

Familiarity with data governance, data quality, or master data concepts.

Experience working in agile or iterative delivery environments.